The term “hope chest” refers to the traditional wedding gift given to a young woman, typically on the brink of marriage, in order to start her married life with all the essential household items for her new home.
Common items gifted in hope chests are linens, quilts, blankets, china, and items with sentimental value.
The origin of the phrase, “hope chest” is rooted in the idea that such a gift would provide the recipient with hope in the form of physical tangible items they could build their marital life upon. Historically, a young woman at the time of her betrothal would begin the long task of filling her hope chest with items appropriate for a new home, such as a quilt or perhaps a set of dishes or a spool of thread.
Not only did this serve as an investment in her future home, but a source of comfort as she awaited her husband-to-be’s return after a long absence or journey.
Today, hope chests still serve as a symbol of hope in the traditional sense; but the termʼs meaning has since diversified to include any object or item that symbolizes the desire for security, stability, and happiness in a particular personʼs life, be that person a young bride-to-be or someone simply looking for some universal security.
Do people still do hope chests?
Yes, people still maintain the tradition of hope chests, although the activities and meaning associated with them have evolved in recent decades. A hope chest is a chest traditionally given to a young woman to store items for her wedding day.
In the earlier days, family members and friends gifted her linens, kitchenware and other items to help her get started in her new home. Over time the concept has evolved and a hope chest may now refer to an heirloom item such as a piece of jewelry, a large musical instrument, or a decorative furniture piece that is passed down through a family.
A hope chest may also now refer to an item a woman purchases as an investment for herself, such as a pair of designer shoes or a luxury purse. No matter the item, a hope chest is a symbol of hope, valued by the recipient and gifted among family and friends as a sign of love and commitment.
What are hope chests made out of?
Hope chests, sometimes referred to as dowry chests or cedar chests, were traditionally handcrafted and made out of durable woods such as cedar, pine, walnut, maple, and oak. As the name implies, these chests were used for keeping precious and sentimental items safe in the past.
Hope chests have been a part of many cultures, particularly in Europe and Asia, and can be as basic as a simple wooden box or as ornate as a grand armoire.
Wood was used for hope chests as that material was both beautiful and long lasting, providing hope that items placed inside could be preserved for future generations. Some materials such as leather, fabric, or metal could also be chosen for decorative and ornamental purposes, depending on the region the chest was made in.
In recent decades, hope chests have been crafted from medium-density fiberboard, plywood, and metal. Today, there is a great variety of both traditional and modern hope chests available everywhere.
How do I identify a cedar chest?
Identifying a cedar chest can be done by looking for certain characteristics. The exterior of the chest should have red-tinged coloration, which is a trait of cedar wood. Additionally, cedar wood is lightweight and has a distinct fragrance, so try smelling the wood before making a purchase.
The grain pattern of the wood should have fine even markings that create a wavy pattern on the surface. Finally, cedar chests should have heavy-duty construction as well as a good quality latch and/or hinges.
It is also helpful to look at the age of the chest. An older cedar chest would most likely have a greater quality construction than a newer model.
Are cedar chests worth money?
The value of a cedar chest can vary greatly depending on the age, type, and condition of the chest. Antique cedar chests are often worth more than modern chests, especially if their rarity or craftsmanship is of a high level.
However, even if a chest is mass-produced and purchased at a store, it may still be worth money, such as if it was an heirloom piece, has sentimental value, was made by a noteworthy craftsman, is a unique design, or is in excellent condition.
The best way to determine the total value of a cedar chest is to either have it appraised or to sell it through an auction or marketplace. If you believe you have an antique cedar chest that is of high value and quality, it is best to have it appraised by a professional to get an accurate estimation of the market value.
How do you tell what year a Lane cedar chest was made?
To determine the year a Lane cedar chest was made, you’ll need to first locate the manufacturer’s label or stamp, which is typically on the back, bottom, or inside the lid of the chest. Look for an alpha-numeric code near the label or a date stamp which will tell you the month and year that the chest was made.
Alternatively, you can look for an ID label on the inside of the lid or for a serial number between the front panels of the chest. Some more modern Lane cedar chests will have a QR code sticker, which can be scanned with a smartphone and the exact date will be provided.
If you’re unable to find any of these labels or codes on the chest, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer directly to assist in finding out the age of the cedar chest. You can also consult other websites, such as antique appraisal sites, for help in determining the age of the chest.
Where is the serial number on a lane chest?
The serial number on a Lane chest is typically located on a metal plate that is bolted to the back of the chest. It can be found just above the drawer line and may include a barcode. Alternatively, in some styles, the metal plate may be located inside the top drawer.
The metal plate should state “Lane Furniture” and the Lane logo, followed by the serial number.
What is the average size of a cedar chest?
The average size of a cedar chest is typically 18-20 inches tall, 36-42 inches wide and 16-20 inches deep. The size of cedar chests can vary depending on the style and model, however, those measurements serve as a good reference point to determine the typical dimensions.
Some cedar chests may be smaller depending on the purpose, while some are larger and larger drawers may be included. In general, cedar chests tend to be of a moderate size and can be easily found in furniture stores and online retailers.
How much is a 60 year old cedar chest worth?
The value of a 60-year-old cedar chest depends on a variety of factors including its condition, style, manufacturer and overall aesthetic appeal. Generally, well-maintained cedar chests from quality manufacturers can fetch a price between $400 and $2,000.
However, cedar chests from larger and more well-known brands such as Lane, Drexel, or Heywood-Wakefield can command higher prices depending on the style and condition of the piece. Additionally, if the cedar chest is unique or has sentimental value, its value could be higher as well.
Ultimately, the value of a 60-year-old cedar chest is highly subjective and its worth can range vastly depending on its condition, manufacturer, and style.
Who buys the hope chest?
The answer to who buys the hope chest depends on the context in which it is being used. Generally, the hope chest is usually purchased by a young woman who is about to enter a new phase in her life, such as going to college, getting married, or getting ready to start a family.
In terms of logistics, the hope chest may be purchased by the female’s parents or extended family, or the female may purchase it for herself. Additionally, friends or other family members may chip in with the purchase.
Many couples today may even purchase the hope chest together in anticipation of the future. The hope chest is often used to store important memories and items of sentimental value, so regardless of who chooses to purchase it, the hope chest will no doubt hold a special place in the heart of the recipient.
What is a love chest?
A love chest is a box that is traditionally used to store mementos and symbols of a person’s love for another. It is usually decorated with loving symbols and heartfelt notes, photos, drawings, trinkets, and love letters.
These items are stored and taken out to remind the receiver of the depth of the sender’s love. Traditionally, it is a gift from a knight to a noblewoman as a sign of his devotion. In today’s culture, couples exchange love chests filled with mementos in honor of their love for each other.
Love chests have the potential to be a great tool for both strengthening a relationship and expanding the emotional connection between two people.
What should you not put in a cedar chest?
A cedar chest is a great storage option, but there are certain items that you should not store in one. Anything containing moisture, such as food, plants, or even damp clothing should be avoided because cedar wood is porous and susceptible to moisture.
Leather or vinyl items can also be damaged if stored in a cedar chest due to the potential for mold or mildew growth. Anything that should not be exposed to prolonged temperature changes, such as delicate fabrics or sensitive electronics, should also not be placed in one.
Finally, certain items such as photographs, artwork, collectibles, and handmade items may fade or discolor if stored in a cedar chest due to the release of cedar oil.
How do you use the hope chest in Familysearch?
The Hope Chest in FamilySearch is an online tool that allows users to easily organize their genealogical research and prepare it for submission as a file to an online genealogical records service. It is also a great way to keep track of your progress and store resources for future use.
To begin using the Hope Chest in FamilySearch, simply log in with your FamilySearch account, then click on the “Hope Chest” icon at the top left corner of the page. This will open a new window showing the Hope Chest dashboard.
You can add folders by clicking on the “+” icon at the top right corner. To add documents, click on the “+” icon next to the folder you want to add documents to. Once you have added folders and documents to the Hope Chest, you can save the file to your computer, edit the documents, and submit them to the online genealogical records service for review and archival.
The Hope Chest in FamilySearch is an invaluable tool for genealogists and family historians, providing a place to store and organize their research and resources. It’s a great way to keep track of your progress and make sure everything runs smoothly when submitting documents to an online genealogical records service.
Is Lane cedar chest still in business?
Yes, Lane cedar chest is still in business. The company, which was originally founded in 1912 by John Lane, is a family-owned furniture business that has been making quality pieces for over a century.
Today, Lane cedar chest is considered one of the nation’s leading furniture manufacturers, producing both traditional and contemporary furniture styles. The company offers a full line of furniture pieces that boast timeless appeal, ranging from bedroom sets to dining rooms and media centers.
Lane cedar chest is also home to some of the best-built chests in the industry and has a reputation for producing quality products that survive generations. As well, the company is committed to utilizing sustainable materials and practices whenever possible.
What is another name for hope chest?
A hope chest is often also referred to as a cedar chest, dowry chest, glory box, trousseau chest, or in some areas a desires chest. The purpose of a hope chest is a special storage chest filled with items that a woman traditionally accumulates to prepare for her marriage.
This includes linens, household items, heirlooms, jewelry, photos, and keepsakes collected over her lifetime. It is often given to a woman at a young age so that she can collect these items over the course of her life until marriage.
What do girls put in a hope chest?
A hope chest, sometimes called a dowry chest or trousseau, is traditionally a wooden box or trunk filled with items a young woman can use when she eventually gets married. What items a young woman puts in her hope chest depends on her personal taste and her family’s customs.
Generally, a hope chest is filled with items for the bride’s new home such as sheets, towels, blankets, tablecloths, dishes, curtains and other home goods. Clothing items, such as lingerie, handkerchiefs, nightgowns and aprons may also be added.
Depending on her personality and style, a young lady may have her needlepoint, knitting, quilting, or other handwork items saved in the hope chest. Some more modern hope chests might also include a laptop, a silverware set, or a set of china.
Other items a bride-to-be could put in her hope chest could include gifts from the groom, her bridal veil, items of sentimental value, jewelry, a family heirloom, of a small item from each of the special occasions she’s experienced, such as her prom, graduation, and other rite-of-passage events.
What’s the difference between a hope chest and a cedar chest?
A hope chest, also known as a dowry chest, trousseau chest or glory box, is traditionally a wood storage chest that was gifted to a young woman who was of marriageable age by her parents then filled with items such as linens, towels, quilts and keepsakes that the young woman would use once she was married and establishing a home with her husband.
Hope chests are typically decorated with intricate carvings and often contain a lock on the outside to help protect the items stored.
A cedar chest, on the other hand, is a wooden storage chest made of cedar wood typically used to store items like clothing, comforters, linens, and blankets. The chest is sometimes lined with aromatic cedar wood which helps keep the items stored from becoming musty or damaged by moths.
Cedar chests are usually decorated with carved designs on the sides and lid and may also feature metal accents like a lock or hinges for added security. Unlike the hope chest, a cedar chest does not necessarily have any sentimental meaning and is typically not used with the intent of housing items that will last past generations.
When did hope chests become popular?
Hope chests, also known as dowry chests, are large, wooden chests that were traditionally filled with items for a woman to take to her new home when she got married. They became popular during the 17th century and were used to store clothing and household linens, such as tablecloths, curtains, and quilts.
In some cultures, items from the hope chest would be passed down from generation to generation and might contain heirlooms, such as jewelry and other important family keepsakes. Since then, hope chests have been used mainly for decorative purposes and for giving gifts of clothing, linens, and other household items to newly married couples.
In more modern times, hope chests have become popular gifts for high school graduates, college graduates, or any other special occasions. People of all ages seem to enjoy having hope chests around, as they bring a sense of comfort and hope to any home.
What kind of wood are Lane chests made from?
Lane chests are traditionally crafted from solid hardwoods. The specific type of hardwood used to make each chest may vary, but popular choices include alder, cherry, brown maple, and oak. While some pieces may also feature veneers, every Lane chest is constructed from solid hardwood and then finished with a protective topcoat.
This ensures the chest will stand the test of time and become a valued heirloom piece.